What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glim
Example
I caught a glim of the sunset before it disappeared behind the mountains. [glim: noun]
Example
The candle provided a glim of light in the dark room. [glim: adjective]
gleam
Example
The diamond ring had a beautiful gleam in the sunlight. [gleam: noun]
Example
Her eyes gleamed with excitement when she saw the surprise. [gleamed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gleam is more commonly used than glim in everyday language. Gleam is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while glim is less common and often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between glim and gleam?
Both glim and gleam are relatively informal words, but gleam can be used in more formal contexts due to its versatility and broader range of meanings.
